Infection control & patient safety worksheet with answers

A patient is colonized with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Which precautions are used?

1. ADroplet precautions
2. BAirborne precautions
3. CContact precautions
4. DProtective (reverse) isolation

Which precautions are used for a patient with rubella (German measles)?

1. AAirborne precautions
2. BStandard precautions only
3. CDroplet precautions
4. DContact precautions only

When is hand hygiene needed in relation to wearing gloves?

1. ABefore putting gloves on and after taking them off
2. BOnly before putting gloves on
3. CNever, because gloves replace hand hygiene
4. DOnly if the gloves are torn

Where should the dispersive (grounding) pad for electrosurgery be placed?

1. AOn skin that is wet with antiseptic prep
2. BOver a bony prominence such as the hip bone
3. COn clean, dry skin over a well-perfused muscle, close to the surgical site
4. DOver an area with scar tissue or a tattoo, so that the pad does not slip

A family member will visit a patient on contact precautions. What should the nurse do?

1. AAsk them to wear an N95 respirator only, with no gown or gloves
2. BTell them visits are not allowed at all
3. CShow them how to use the gown and gloves and how to clean their hands
4. DTell them precautions only apply to staff

Which kitchen practice helps prevent scald burns in young children?

1. ALeave hot drinks at the edge of the table
2. BTurn pot handles toward the back of the stove
3. CHold the child while drinking a hot drink
4. DLet the child stand on a chair beside the stove

A nurse who is not immune to chickenpox was exposed to a patient with varicella before precautions began. What usually happens?

1. AThe nurse must take a two-week course of antibiotics to prevent the infection
2. BThe nurse continues working with all patients as usual, including newborns
3. CThe nurse is assessed and kept from patient contact during the incubation period per policy
4. DThe nurse only needs to wear gloves for the next month

A patient with pulmonary tuberculosis has been on treatment. Which findings usually allow airborne isolation to end?

1. AThree negative sputum smears, clinical improvement and continued therapy
2. BThe patient has been in hospital for one week and has taken every dose of medicine
3. CThe cough has stopped, even with no sputum tests
4. DOne negative chest x-ray after starting treatment